"talking"
'thinking'
From AfarChapter One- What To Do With This?
Kuchiki Byakuya was a very complex man. He may seem to have life figured out when you see him from the outside with his calm demeanor and intimidating presence. However on the inside he was just as confused as any other shinigami and it's all because of one thing, Matsumoto Rangiku. Many would not think that someone like Byakuya would be interested in a woman like Rangiku. Even he is a little confused as to why, but somehow every time he looks at her he is captivated (and not for the obvious reasons hentai's). Her eyes, her smile, her infectious laughter, and the feeling of power emanating from her always entrance him. All he could do about it was watch from afar building up his courage for the day he could finally ask her on a date. That is where we find the confused Kuchiki now, staring at her as she talks with his fukutaicho down the hall.
"Oh! Hello Taicho!" exclaimed Renji as Byakuya strode down the hall.
"Hiiii, Kuchiki Taicho, how are you today?"
Rangiku's high-pitched greeting sent Renji cringing but all Byakuya could think of was how beautiful she sounded with her songlike words.
'Why did I just think that?'
"I am well Matsumoto fukutaicho, Abarai why are you not doing your paperwork?"
"Well well I um I was just about to start Taicho, I'll see you later Rangiku."
"Bu-Bye Renji," she yelled after him as he trudged down the hall and into his office.
'I have to do this now while I have the chance. I don't know if I'll be able to get a moment alone with her again.'
"Matsumoto fukutaicho, I was wondering if you would like to…" "MATSUMOTO."
"Uh-oh seems Taicho has found out that I left without doing my paper work again.
"Matsumoto get your ass back here NOW"
"Coming Taicho," she said in the sweetest voice she could muster while still yelling from the fifth division all the way to the tenth.
"I guess I'll talk to you later Kuchiki Taicho," she said as she ran off.
'Damn, I was so close. Maybe next time, maybe next time.'
Byakuya went back to his office but instead of helping Renji with the paper work he grabbed a small book from his desk drawer and went to his quarters, which are connected, to his office. As Renji wondered what was in the book as he always does when he sees it Byakuya shut and locked to door and began to write. Many would wonder what on earth (or soul society) he would write about besides work. That would be the one and only Matsumoto Rangiku. This small seemingly unimportant book was filled with poetry, stories, and thoughts on his love for her.
He had gotten the book when he first realized his affection for her and needed someone to express that to seeing as he didn't really have that many friends and he would entrust such information to none of them. He wrote down what had just happened and how close he had gotten to finally asking her on a date. He had a whole evening planned out that included dinner at her favorite restaurant (which he extracted from his finally useful fukutaicho) and then a trip to a beautiful lake with a waterfall just outside Rukongai if she ever said yes.
The next day he was walking to the fourth division to drop of important paperwork when he saw her walking down the street.
"Hello Kuchiki Taicho!"
'God she's beautiful'
"Hello Rangiku"
"Taicho you just called me by my name, you must like me huh!"
"What are you talking about?"
'How did she find out, is it that obvious?'
"You must really think of me as a good friend if you called me by my given name."
'Whew close one.'
"I respect your strength Rangiku fukutaicho."
"Well thank you, hehe wait till I tell Taicho!"
"Rangiku I was wondering if you would…"
"TTTAAAAIIIICCCCHHHOOO!!!!!!"
"What Abarai?"
"Rukia just arrived with Ichigo at the senkai gate!"
"Why are they here?"
"I don't know but you should probably go."
"Yes but first, Rangiku I was wondering if you…"
"Hurry Taicho"
"Never mind I shall talk to you later."
'Why me?'
"Bye guys!"
As they arrived at the senkai gate they where greeted by a graceful Rukia and an "I could care less" Ichigo.
"Hello Nee-sama, Renji"
"Hi Renji, Byakuya"
'That brat.'
Ichigo is suddenly kicked in the face by a certain short shinigami.
"He is a Taicho refer to him as such you baka!"
'She has been taught well,' He thought smugly.
"Ow you midget that hurt," he talked her to the ground and somehow ended up on top of her.
This would have been ok but then he didn't get off as he stared into her eyes. Byakuya's hand went to the hilt of his zanpakuto and Renji just screamed.
"Get the hell off her you baka!"
"I do not think you should treat our guest in such a manner Abarai fukutaicho, it does not reflect well upon Seireitei."
At this they all turned to see Yamamoto Taicho approaching. All bowed their heads except (not surprisingly) Ichigo.
"I hope you arrived without incident Kurosaki, Kuchiki."
"Except for the running form the giant monster yes!"
Byakuya inwardly snickered.
"I am sorry you had such an issue to come at my request but I promise you will not be disappointed."
"What exactly are you referring to Yamamoto Taicho?"
"Kurosaki is here to train under me Kuchiki Taicho, even though Aizen and most of the arrancar are dead we still have Tousen and Ichimaru to deal with and we could need Kurosaki's help."
"Yes Sir"
'Great now I'll have to keep a constant eye on Rukia, so much for dating.'
"Please guests, follow me to your quarters."
Byakuya watched as they walked away, Ichigo and Rukia a little too close for his taste. Apparently Renji's as well because he looked ready to explode when their hands brushed together and a slight blush rose to their cheeks.
'Only so much I can do now.'
"Come Abarai."
"Hai Taicho." He said through gritted teeth.
After three hours of paperwork to get his mind of Rangiku and the Ichigo problem he left the office to retire for the night. Leaving Renji with a few more stacks of papers because the poor fukutaicho was constantly snapping his pen in half clearly distraught that his Rukia was still with that stupid substitute shinigami even back in Soul Society. He took a moment to feel a form a pity for Abarai as he could relate to the situation but quickly dismissed it. So much for a taicho fukutaicho relationship.
He silently walked out and promptly fell asleep after he changed into nightclothes and went to bed. Much later as Renji was finally putting away all the work he had completed he realized he needed a paperclip. It might not have been necessary but it was an excellent excuse to look in Byakuya's desk. Upon opening the bottom drawer his Taicho's secret book just happened to be in the way of what may or may not have been a paper clip. He of course had to move it and upon moving it just happened to fall open on the desk in front of Renji's eyes. Coincidentally of course he began to read.
After reading the latest entry and a good bought of laughter he whispered, "What to do with this?"
AN: So I hoped you liked it. I'm going to work a few subplots in there because as soon as I started typing they popped into my head and wouldn't leave. Please as my first story reviews of constructed criticism are appreciated. You could also throw in some praise and I wouldn't hold it against you.